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Because the eucalyptus tree loves fire and fire loves it. It needs fire to reproduce* and takes over the landscape after a fire, outcompeting many other specie
by DoreenMichele 3y ago
Because the eucalyptus tree loves fire and fire loves it.
It needs fire to reproduce* and takes over the landscape after a fire, outcompeting many other species. This is not unique to eucalyptus. Some pines also need fire to reproduce and redwoods tend to survive fire better than other trees and thrive in the aftermath.
But it sounds like eucalyptus may actively promote fire in a way I haven't heard of other trees doing.
* http://learnline.cdu.edu.au/units/env207/ecology/individual.html http://learnline.cdu.edu.au/units/env207/ecology/individual....
- didgeoridoo 3y ago> When the oils in the tree heat up, the plant releases flammable gas, which ignites into a fireball. This accelerates the eucalyptus fire hazards in a region and discourages firefighting efforts… The plants are considered dangerous in fire-prone areas because of their habit of shooting sparks if they catch fire. [0] Apparently it turns into an ember-spraying fuel-air bomb when it catches fire. I’m not sure you could design a more fire-promoting tree. [0]: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/eucalyptus/eucalyptus-fire-hazards.htm https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/eucalyptus...
- DoreenMichele 3y agoAnd it's worse when it's an invasive species as the leaves are not getting thinned. It's certainly concerning to me to learn that eucalyptus has been actively exported, is now a shockingly common invasive species in some areas and odds seem good it is actively promoting wildfires.